9-year-old boy safe from trafficking in South Asia

September 2024

A young boy, who was trafficked hundreds of kilometres from home and forced to work 14 to 16 hours a day at a farm, is now safe.

The nine-year-old had been trafficked by his uncle, who was paid 36,000 rupees (about £330) by the farm owner. The boy himself was never paid or allowed to contact his family.

Shockingly, he was beaten brutally if he failed to perform his tasks.

After more than a year of exploitation, the boy managed to escape. A concerned truck driver spotted him cycling down the highway and took him to a roadside café for a warm meal.

After hearing his shocking story, the truck driver called Childline - the national hotline for helping vulnerable children. Childline brought the boy to safety and connected with IJM’s local partner NGO.

Local officials were reluctant to bring a legal case against the abusive farm owner, until IJM’s legal experts helped liaise with police and local authorities.

With IJM’s support, officials completed a formal investigation and lodged a report to initiate a legal case. Both the farm owner and the boy’s uncle are suspects.

Authorities also provided the boy with a Release Certificate, which formally recognizes him as “free” and helps him access long-term protection and benefits.

IJM staff remarked on the boy’s positivity and resilience. One shared, “The boy asked me if he could go home now. I told him yes, soon, and that I would come and meet him. He said: ‘When you come to meet me, bring gulab jamun (a popular local dessert!).’”

He added, “Despite going through so much, he could still smile. That showed how strong he was at such a young age.”

IJM will assist our partners as they support this young boy through aftercare, until officials determine he can return home safely.

IJM and our partner will also invest in training other officials in these districts, so local authorities are ready to enforce the law and protect the next vulnerable child they find.

Stock image uses actor.